• Author Archives: Chandan Kumar Thakur

    1. Mont des Arts: one of the most beautiful views in Brussels

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      Looking for inspiring things to do in Brussels during your city trip? Mont des Arts is one of the city’s most elegant and rewarding spots. Linking uptown and downtown Brussels, it offers a beautiful panoramic view in every season and a lovely place to pause in the heart of the capital.

      Below the esplanade, the landscaped gardens lead down towards the statue of King Albert I. Across the road, on Place de l’Albertine, stands Queen Elizabeth, creating a quiet historical dialogue at the centre of the city. Mont des Arts is also a cultural hub. Here you will find the KBR Museum, part of KBR, Belgium’s national library and home to the remarkable Library of the Dukes of Burgundy.

      On the other side of Mont des Arts, you will find Square Brussels Convention Centre. Within walking distance, you can also explore Bozar, BELvue and the Museum of Musical Instruments. From Urban Yard Hotel, Mont des Arts is a perfect stop for travellers who want to combine gardens, heritage and culture in one walk.

    2. Discover Brussels through its Comic Strip Trail

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      Looking for original things to do in Brussels during your city trip? The Comic Strip Trail is one of the city’s most creative and colourful attractions. As the undisputed capital of the comic strip, Brussels celebrates the ninth art not only in museums and galleries, but also directly in its streets.

      Since 1991, large comic-inspired murals have appeared across the city, transforming Brussels into an open-air gallery. As you walk from one neighbourhood to another, you may suddenly come across Tintin, Blake and Mortimer, Cubitus, Billy and Buddy, Corto Maltese and many other beloved characters. In total, more than 80 murals invite visitors to discover Brussels in a playful and distinctly local way.

      From Urban Yard Hotel, the city opens up as a mix of culture, humour and visual surprises. The Comic Strip Trail is a perfect way to experience Brussels beyond the usual landmarks while exploring its rich artistic identity.

    3. Visit Manneken Pis during your stay in Brussels

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      Looking for iconic things to do in Brussels during your city trip? Manneken Pis is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a must-see during your stay. Small in size but huge in character, this beloved little statue has represented the spirit of Brussels since the 15th century.

      Originally placed on one of the public fountains that supplied Brussels with drinking water, Manneken Pis gradually became a true symbol of the city. Locals see him as the perfect reflection of Brussels itself: playful, witty, a little irreverent and never too serious.

      The statue you can admire today is a copy. The original was stolen several times over the centuries and is now preserved in the Brussels City Museum. Just a short walk away, you can also visit the GardeRobe MannekenPis Museum, where an extraordinary collection of costumes reveals another side of this local icon.

      From Urban Yard Hotel, exploring Brussels means discovering both major sights and charming details. A visit to Manneken Pis is a simple but unforgettable way to experience the personality of the Belgian capital.

    4. Winter Wonders 2025: discover Brussels’ Christmas market from The Urban Yard, near Gare du Midi

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      From 28 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, Brussels’ city centre lights up for Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver / Winterpret), a 2 km winter trail connecting Grand-Place, Sainte-Catherine, the Vismet, De Brouckère, Bourse and Place de la Monnaie. With around 238 chalets, food stalls, bars, rides and free animations, the event welcomes millions of visitors and creates a vibrant atmosphere throughout the festive season.

      This edition focuses strongly on solidarity. The Grand-Place “solidarity tree” will see its decorations auctioned after the holidays to support food banks, while a new Christmas village on Place Poelaert invites visitors to enjoy gourmet treats with a panoramic view of Brussels and to donate toys for sick or disadvantaged children. An official interactive map helps you navigate easily between chalets, attractions and artistic installations.

      For hotel guests, the heart of Winter Wonders is compact and easy to explore. Around Sainte-Catherine and the Vismet, you will find craft stalls, street food and the Ferris wheel. At Place De Brouckère, the popular ice rink and curling lanes return, with some attractions operating until 4 January 2026 so you can still enjoy the festive mood after New Year’s Eve.

      Staying at The Urban Yard, you benefit from an excellent location near Gare du Midi, just a short walk from Lemonnier metro and an easy stroll or tram ride into the historic centre. After arriving in Brussels by train, you can drop your bags in your room, cross the urban garden in our inner courtyard, and head straight for the Christmas market without worrying about traffic or parking.

      Brussels authorities strongly encourage visitors to come by public transport or bicycle during Winter Wonders, both for convenience and to minimise the city’s environmental impact. From The Urban Yard, metro and tram lines take you quickly to Bourse, De Brouckère or Sainte-Catherine, while the historic Grand-Place is less than 20 minutes away on foot.

      After a night under the Christmas lights, our bar and lounge offer a relaxed, green oasis to end the evening. The Urban Yard combines the energy of Brussels’ winter streets with the calm of a hidden garden, making it a perfect base for Winter Wonders 2025.

    5. Winter Wonders Brussels 2025–2026: Discover the City’s Festive Soul from The Urban Yard Hotel

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      Every winter, Brussels turns into a captivating celebration of light, music, and warmth. The Winter Wonders festival — one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets — returns from 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 for its 25th edition, filling the Grand-Place and surrounding squares with more than 200 charming wooden chalets.

      Enjoy the enchanting sound-and-light show, the Ferris wheel, and the skating rink under the winter sky. Stroll through the market’s stalls to taste Belgian delights, discover handmade gifts, and experience the festive rhythm of the capital.

      After exploring the glowing city, The Urban Yard Hotel welcomes you in its artistic and eclectic atmosphere. Located near Brussels South Station, the hotel reflects the vibrant spirit of the city — a blend of creativity, warmth, and authenticity. It’s the perfect place to relax, connect, and make the most of your winter escape.

      Celebrate the magic of Winter Wonders Brussels and find your urban sanctuary at The Urban Yard Hotel.

      Official Website – Winter Wonders Brussels

    6. Explore Belgian Comics Culture from The Urban Yard Hotel

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      Belgian comics have captivated generations worldwide. At Brussels’ Comics Art Museum, a lively, hands‑on exhibition traces the evolution of the ninth art from newspapers to the silver screen and video games. It’s a must‑see stop during any cultural weekend in Brussels.

      Address: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels. Open Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00; closed Mon. T +32 2 219 19 80 • visit@stripmuseum.be • www.stripmuseum.be.

      Based steps from Brussels‑South (Gare du Midi), The Urban Yard Hotel is perfectly placed to reach the museum by tram or metro and then explore the Marolles: flea markets, antique shops, cafés and street art. Searching for a hotel in Brussels close to the Comics Art Museum and Brussels‑South? The Urban Yard Hotel offers convenience, character and access to the city’s most authentic neighborhoods.

    7. A Green Oasis Steps from the Exhibition

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      Launching 11 June, “Jules Verne 200” turns Brussels’ Horta Gallery into a 1,500 m² wonderland that fuses metaverse environments, VR pods and 360-degree visuals. Wander through Twenty Thousand Leagues, race around the globe in Eighty Days, or blast off From the Earth to the Moon, before dipping into a multimedia chronicle of Verne’s life. Produced by Exhibition Hub and Layers of Reality, the show builds on the success of blockbuster experiences like “Van Gogh Immersive.”

      Make your base at The Urban Yard Hotel, where an indoor botanical courtyard, upcycled furnishings and rooftop beehives create a lush sanctuary amid the city bustle. Just two tram stops from Horta Gallery, the hotel’s locally sourced breakfast bowls and leafy coworking corners are the perfect complement to a day of literary exploration.

    8. Belgian Chocolate Earns Heritage Badge – Explore It from The Urban Yard Hotel in Brussels

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      Belgian chocolate has just been granted intangible-heritage status by the Brussels-Capital Region, a move that secures cultural recognition for an industry already famed worldwide. While two-thirds of chocolatiers operate in Flanders, tourists inevitably flock to the capital for its grand arcades, small-batch factories and chocolate museums. Hip yet welcoming, The Urban Yard Hotel—set around a lush courtyard near Brussels-South station—positions guests within easy reach of these attractions. The newly minted heritage label only heightens the city’s allure, making the hotel an on-trend headquarters for sweet-toothed explorers.

    9. Floralia Brussels 2025: A Vibrant Spring Escape Close to The Urban Yard Hotel

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      From April 4 to May 2, Floralia Brussels transforms the Castle of Groot-Bijgaarden into a floral wonderland featuring over one million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Now celebrating its 22nd edition, the event showcases 400 different flower varieties across the castle’s 14-hectare grounds, complete with a two-kilometre walkway offering breathtaking views. Don’t miss the Venetian Parade, where guests don elegant Venetian outfits, or the “Maya Days,” offering child-friendly activities and a mini parade. With so many colorful and artistic sights, it’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

      After soaking up the spring festivities, unwind at The Urban Yard Hotel in Brussels. Boasting a modern vibe and comfortable rooms, this hotel sets you in the heart of the city, perfect for further exploration or leisurely downtime. Floralia Brussels is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, and tickets cost €17 per person (discounts may apply). To avoid queues, be sure to book your visit in advance on the official Floralia website.

    10. Explore Magritte’s Brussels Legacy from The Urban Yard Hotel

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      René Magritte (1898-1967) is hailed as one of the foremost figures of surrealist art, and Brussels served as a cornerstone of his creativity. The city’s dynamic streets and cultural depth provided ample inspiration for his iconic works. At the Musée Magritte Museum—located on Koningsplein—you can fully appreciate the breadth of his art, with over 230 pieces and archives on display, from paintings and gouaches to vintage advertising posters and film snippets.

      As part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the museum continually evolves, thanks to collaborations with institutions and private collectors worldwide. This means visitors regularly encounter artworks that have rarely, if ever, been exhibited. With eight distinguished nominations and awards, plus 300,000 annual visitors, the Musée Magritte Museum is an essential stop in Brussels. Don’t miss Magritte’s quirky “vache” period, a testament to his humor and willingness to defy expectations.

      Staying at The Urban Yard Hotel puts you just a short walk or ride away from this must-see attraction. Head to Koningsplein 2, 1000 Brussels, or email info@fine-arts-museum.be for more information. You can also explore www.fine-arts-museum.be for details. Discover the vibrant heart of Brussels and delve into the surreal world that Magritte called home.